This could add another rival to Apple’s iPad. Numerous consumer electronics companies have seen the success of the iPad, which sold 3.3 million in its first quarter, and are keen to release a product in the area.

Ballmer also stressed the importance of making an impact in the smartphone market.

“The job right now is we’ve got to get back seriously into the game of phones," he said.

"We’ve got to have a comeback against the competition and I think with our new Windows phones we really have a beautiful product."